BDF, Police IX win softball extravaganza
Imi Mokgethi | Thursday July 21, 2016 09:35
BDF IX had lost to the BoFiNet Softball League champions, Wells, 5 runs to 3, in the winner’s bracket. The win saw Wells qualify for the finals while BDF IX battled it out and prevailed against Rail Giants on Monday morning before the grand finale.
BDF IX coach, Tapologo Moremedi said the journey to registering their fourth consecutive success was difficult.
“The game was very difficult because Wells is a strong team which beat us in winners’ brackets. We knew that they have a solid defence and we came prepared for that,” he said. Moremedi added that players’ commitment also played a significant role in their outstanding performance. Wells coach, Gaoope Ntsholetsang expressed delight at his players’ performance especially during the final, noting that they had not disgraced. He added that they had a challenge of injuries to some players, something which impacted negatively on his team.
In the women’s category, Police IX emerged champions for the very first time in the history of the extravaganza after walloping Panthers 6-1. Just like in the males category, the encounter between the two was a repeat of the BoFiNet League grand final that was won by Police IX.
Police IX displayed an excellent performance throughout the three-day tournament as they won all their games, something that their coach Gaolebale Isaac attributed to the good team spirit and commitment.
“This win will motivate us to continue working hard and make sure that we defend our championship,” said Isaac.
Meanwhile, new softball kids on the block, Titens thrilled many with their outstanding performance that earned them third position. The team’s manager, Tshepiso Ramolapong said they encountered challenges as they do not have a sponsor and a coach. She added that the team was formed on May 5 this year, highlighting that they only had less than two months to prepare for the elimination games and the tournament.
“We made history in this tournament by eliminating big teams despite our challenges and I want to assure you that next year we will be here with a much improved performance,” vowed Ramolapong.
Titens’ player coach, Kefemetswe Selepe said they only had 11 players, something she said had a huge impact on their last game against Panthers to qualify for the finals as they played with some injuries. She added that they met their target for the tournament as they we aiming for the fourth position.
The champions for both males and females teams pocketed P75,000 each while the first runner ups walked away with P40,000.
The third position teams, being Titens (women) and Rail Giants (men) each got P28,000.
For individual prizes, Malebogo Ramaphane from Titens scooped the Most Valuable Player and P2,000 prize money in the ladies category while Tawangwa Kealeka of Wells scooped it in the men’s category.
Magdeline Mabutho of Police IX and Gadifele Gaotlhobogwe from Wells emerged sluggers and earned P1,500.
In addition, Boineelo Gojewang and Gaone Keirelwang from Panthers and Carats respectively were named the best outfielders of the tournament, each walking away with P1,500 as well.
For his part, the tournament’s director, Lebofanye Kenosi said the tournament was a success, noting that it had attracted more spectators who also supported their mandate of empowering local small businesses. Selebi-Phikwe East Member of Parliament, who is also the minister of infrastructure, science and technology Nonofo Molefhi said the tremendous growth of the tournament is a wake-up call for the relevant authorities to consider building a softball stadium in the copper/nickel town.